The Beauty of a Comfy Cardigan

I know spring is getting close, but here in Michigan even with the teases of almost 70 degrees it is still chilly! Something that has become an all time favorite staple in my wardrobe are cardigans. I only had one before I was pregnant with the girls. Then I found one while I was pregnant with the girls and wore it all the time. I could have bought more. Here is the thing I hate spending money on clothes. I mean I like shopping, but I never got much for my budget unless I clearance rack shop which is awesome until you have 5 kids two being nursing babies and a lot more responsibilities than you had when you could throw one baby in a stroller and head to the mall. In fact the thought of taking all 5 kids to the mall pretty much gives me hives. The girls have just now begun eating food well that I can actually leave for more than 2 hours. Shopping for me takes time. Where am going with all of this. Well, sewing this year solved a lot of those problems. Kids go to bed and I can sew, stay in budget, and get MORE for my money. Yes, it takes a little work, but I am never worried about that. It saves me money and most of the time I choose the work over money. I was thrilled beyond belief when I learned there were actually patterns for cardigans. So far I have only bought one, but I may never buy another pattern for them, because I love this one. 

The Cacoon Cardigan from Patterns for Pirates is the perfect go to pattern. It has a dolman sleeve and so many options. You can do 2 different lengths, different arm lengths, and different band lengths. The biggest plus is two different pocket options. My secret I have 4 different pieces of fabric I am hoarding waiting to become cardigans. The problem is I am still losing weight. I want to wait until I am done losing weight. My size has literally changed in just the past two weeks so it is important for me to wait I think. (Side note it means no more grading! If you sew that is a wonderful feeling) I also have some fabulous plaid waiting for one. I am sure come fall I will be sneaking a few. When new fabric arrives my first impulse is to sew it into a cacoon cardi. Throw it over a dress, tank with jeans, leggings and shirt, joggers. You name it it is VERSATILE  which is my favorite. It is also a VERY easy sew. The dolman sleeves make it super easy. The hardest part might be the band, but that is easy enough just by going slow.

I have only made two, but they get worn a lot. My first was my muslin piece. It was made out of double brushed poly by you guessed it.....So Sew English. Yes pretty much I only shop there. I ordered the fabric on a whim as they were having a sale and I wanted to see if I would like the double brushed poly. Originally I had plans to make leggings, but yeah this is so much better! Here is the truth though, I actually very much dislike the fabric. It just isn't me. I have seen other people make some awesome things with it. I just do not enjoy it. It is my wear around the house to look somewhat presentable shirt with jeans that are two sizes too big, babies can make a mess of etc. I did wear it out and I loved the comfy aspect, but it just is not my favorite fabric. It is hemmed sleeved, and tall bands for the neck. It is featured in this photo as I am sewing with Lilliana.

The second one I made may actually be my favorite piece to date. I  LOVE LOVE LOVE the fabric and it is French Terry from of course So Sew English. It lays differently than the double brushed poly, but that is what makes this so versatile. It has short bands on the sleeves and a short neck band.

I have plans to get some Rayon Spandex for some short sleeve summer ones. Who doesn't love a good cardigan to feel nice, but comfy. I know I do. Have I convinced you that you NEED this pattern yet?!? Yes you really do need it. Instead of leggings, my addiction may be cacoon cardigans.